Wade(4.2-2.4)+T

Will someone please explain the differences between forged and cast wheels?

yogi

Hi,
Forged wheels are produced from a forged preform (block of metal in a rough shape of a wheel) and "spinformed" in large machines with rollers.(beating it into the finished wheel if you like)This produces radial grain in the same direction as the stress. Cast wheels however are produced from moulds and the metal poured into them. The forged wheels are said to have I higher stress loading than cast ones but then I am not an engineer :-)
cheers
Dave

Wade(4.2-2.4)+T

Thanks! I've heard forged is better - wanted to understand why.

wbk

I think they are 30% lighter and 300% stronger than the cast wheels at least that is the numbers I remembered from my M3. Because of the construction teechnique(see post above) they are quite a bit more expensive.

mondo

As stated above, forged wheels are formed under pressure from a blank of material resulting in a better micorstructure and therefore higher strength. Cast wheels are made from molten metal poured in a mold and can have more imperfections form air bubbles and the like. BTW, I am an engineer.